Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said the government shutdown would not change his opposition to increasing Affordable Care Act subsidies, which Democrats have made their central demand in the current funding standoff.
In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press”, Graham criticized the Democrats’ approach and said he would not support increasing subsidies unless there was first “great reform.” He also said he would not engage in those conversations until governments reopen.
“If the subsidies we’re talking about here, the Affordable Care Act, are so affordable, why do we spend $350 billion to keep it going every time I turn around?” Graham said in the interview. “Whether the government is shut down or not, I’m not going to vote to extend these subsidies without major reform.”
“I’m prepared to vote to open the government tomorrow,” he said. “To my Democratic friends, I’m not going to vote to increase these subsidies. It costs $350 billion. If you make over $400,000 you get a subsidy for your health care.”
He further said, “Let’s have a rational discussion, but not by shutting down the government.” “It’s up to you. If you want to keep it off, that’s fine. It won’t change my attitude about health care.”
The government shutdown is in its 12th day, as Democrats push to negotiate increased Obamacare subsidies before agreeing to a GOP funding proposal to reopen the government, which is set to expire at the end of the year.
